"If officials are truly looking to reduce numbers, they should take an integrated and adaptive approach: target food sources rather than animals and make sure that they're never artificially fed,"she said.

"While the biological constraints of deer herds are commonly considered when managing rural deer populations, suburban deer overabundance is usually solely a reflection of human values. When deer numbers approach or exceed human tolerance levels, they may be considered overabundant."

The policy adds that "it is important for communities to develop measurable long-term goals and objectives as part of a comprehensive deer management plan before implementing deer control measures."

The city of Victoria is doing just that.

"We are working with Texas Parks and Wildlife to develop a plan to accurately get a count of the deer population," said Colby VanGundy, Victoria director of parks and recreation.

"To this point, the only major issue has been the deer on the greens at the golf course."

VanGundy added that one other animal has been a problem.

"We do have issues with buzzards, and our plan of action is to limit the food source, which should help with the problem."